on they are hung up on one key looksing issue, and so it looks like we will go over the fiscal cliff at least temporarily. >> we're very, very close to an agreement. >> reporter: senate republican leader mitch mcconnell said his mcconnthe-clock negotiations with vice president biden had t id off. >> i can report that we've reached an agreement on all of the tax -- the tax -- issues. >> reporter: first and foremost, the bush era tax cuts. ohe two sides agreed to extend them permanently for all household income under $400,000 a year for individuals, $450,000 foear for families. egotiators also agreed to prevent the alternative minimum tax on the wealthy from hitting and ions of middle class families every year by permanently adjusting it to inflation. and they agreed to hike the estate tax rate from 35% to 40%, but the first $5 million worth of inheritance would be exempt from taxation permanently. the breakthrough prompted relief inr many, including connecticut enator joe lieberman. >> i hope the negotiations going n now end with an agreement and h hope that we will pass it with a bip